The CryptoLite Virus is a test release ransomware targeting users on a global scale. The currently released samples of it are probably test versions that may be updated in further iterations. Refer to our in-depth article for a technical analysis and full removal instructions.
Threat Summary
| Name | CryptoLite |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts sensitive information on your computer system with the .encrypted extensions and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will encrypt your files with a strong encryption algorithm. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss CryptoLite. |
| Data Recovery Tool | Windows Data Recovery by Stellar Phoenix Notice! This product scans your drive sectors to recover lost files and it may not recover 100% of the encrypted files, but only few of them, depending on the situation and whether or not you have reformatted your drive. |
CryptoLite Virus – Distribution Ways
The CryptoLite virus is currently being distributed in a test campaign. It is presumed that in the future the hacker or criminal group behind it will utilize several tactics to increase the number of infected hosts.
One of the main methods that can be used is the creation of email phishing campaigns that use the design elements of legitimate web services and sites in order to confuse the victims into interacting with them. The viruses are either directly attached or linked inthe body contents of the message.
The other method relies on the use of fake download sites that pose as legitimate vendor download sites, portals and other services that are frequently accessed by computer users. These two mechanisms are the primary ways to distributed payload carriers, two are the most popular types:
- Documents — The hackers behind the CryptoLine virus can embed macros scripts in various files (rich text documents, spreadsheets, presentations and databases). When they are opened a notification prompt will appear asking the users to enable the built-in scripts. This leads to the virus infection sequence execution.
- Application Installers — The same technique can be applied to software installers of popular applications. They are made by taking the legitimate installers from the official sites and modifying them to include the CryptoLite virus code.
To further increase the number of infected hosts the criminals may also utilize browser hijackers — they represent malicious plugins that are made available for all popular web browsers. They are usually distributed on the associated browser repositories and make use of fake developer credentials and user reviews to advertise them. Their typical behavior is to redirect the victims to a hacker-controlled site, the additional scripts lead to the virus infection.
CryptoLite Virus – In-Depth Analysis
It appears that the CryptoLite virus is not based on code taken from any of the famous ransomware families. It appears that the hacker or criminal collective behind it have either made it from scratch or have acquired a code that has not yet been identified by the current anti-virus and anti-spyware signatures as belonging to one of the already known families.
The captured samples are currently being analyzed and the available reports so far indicate that they are test releases. It is ery possible that the limited distribution campaign is merely used to plot out future attacks that would carry updated samples. The main malicious engine has been found to use a modular approach, this allows the criminals to customize the attacks depending the targets.
The infections can begin with a data harvesting module programmed to harvest sensitive strings. They can be classified into two main groups:
- Private User Information — The engine can be configured to seaerch for strings that can directly expose the identity of the users: their name, address, phone number, location, interests and account credentials.
- Anonymous Metrics — The other type of information that can be harvested by the engine is used to optimize the attacks. It collects information such as the user-set regional options, a report of all hardware devices and certain operating system values.
This data can be processed by the next component in the sequence which can bypass security software. The list includes anti-virus programs, sandbox (debug) environments and virtual machine hosts. Their real-time engines can be bypassed or completely removed, depending on the instructions by the hackers.
After this has been complete the engine can proceed further with system changes. They can be different according to the defined sequence, however in most cases some kind of a Windows Registry modifications is made. They can be against the user-installed applications or the operating system entries themselves. Such changes can result in the inability to start certain functions and the overall performance may degrade.
The CryptoLite virus can be installed as a persistent threat — it will automatically start once the computer boots. Such behavior also interacts with the boot recovery menu by disabling it. This makes it very difficult to employ most manual removal methods.
In certain cases a separate Trojan instance can be set which connects to a hacker-controlled server. This allows the criminals to spy on the victims, overtake control of their machines and deploy additional threats.
CryptoLite Virus — Encryption
Following the succesful execution of all prior components the ransomware engine will be launched. It uses a built-in list of target file data that is encrypted with a strong cipher. An example list includes the following files:
- Images
- Archives
- Documents
- Backups
- Databases
- Music
- Videos
Instead of a ransomware note it uses a lockscreen instance which prohibits ordinary interaction until the threat is completely removed. It reads the following message:
ALL YOUR FILES HAVE BEEN ENCRYPTED!!!
There’s no way to decrypt these files without the decryption key.
To retrieve the deceryption key a payment of 0.5 BC will need to be paid.
INSTRUCTIONS:
*Purchase the bitcoins from https://localbitcoins.com/.
*Transfer the bitcoins to a https://blockchain.info/ Wallet.
*From https://blockchain.info/ transfer the bitcoins to the below address.
*Add a message to the transaction with the following format:
{MAC-ADDRESS_EMAIL} <- ENSURE THIS IS CORRECT Example: 00:A0:C9:14:C8:29_pwned@gmail.com Following payment the key will be emailed to you after confirmation. IF YOU MESS UP YOUR MESSAGE FROMAT, YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE THE KEY! BitCoin Address: [1aa5cmqmvQq8YQTEqcTmW7dfBNuFwgdCD] Decryption Key: [***][DECRYPT]
Remove CryptoLite Ransomware Virus and Restore .encrypted Files
If your computer got infected with the CryptoLite ransomware virus, you should have a bit of experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as quickly as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect other computers. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide provided below.
Martin Beltov
Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.
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Attention! SensorsTechForum strongly recommends that all malware victims should look for assistance only by reputable sources. Many guides out there claim to offer free recovery and decryption for files encrypted by ransomware viruses. Be advised that some of them may only be after your money.
As a site that has been dedicated to providing free removal instructions for ransomware and malware since 2014, SensorsTechForum’s recommendation is to only pay attention to trustworthy sources.
How to recognize trustworthy sources:
- Always check "About Us" web page.
- Profile of the content creator.
- Make sure that real people are behind the site and not fake names and profiles.
- Verify Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter personal profiles.
About the CryptoLite Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this CryptoLite how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific malware and restore your encrypted files.
How did we conduct the research on this ransomware?
Our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, and as such, we receive daily updates on the latest malware and ransomware definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the CryptoLite ransomware threat is backed with VirusTotal and the NoMoreRansom project.
To better understand the ransomware threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
References
1. How to Recognize Spam Emails with Ransomware
2. How Does Ransomware Encryption Work?
3. How to Decrypt Ransomware Files
4. Ransomware Getting Greedier and Bigger, Attacks Increase by 40%
5. 1 in 5 Americans Victim of Ransomware
How to Remove CryptoLite from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove CryptoLite
1. Hold Windows Key + R.
2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.
3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".
4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.
5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.
Step 2: Uninstall CryptoLite and related software from Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.
2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.
3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by CryptoLite on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by CryptoLite there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.
2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.
3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.
Step 4: Scan for CryptoLite with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.
2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.
3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.
4. After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the 'Next' button.
Video Guide for Automatic and Fast Removal
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by CryptoLite.
Ransomware infections and CryptoLite aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested a data recovery method that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that this method may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on the top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Step 6: How to Restore Files Encrypted by Ransomware (Video Guide)
Get rid of CryptoLite from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall CryptoLite and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:
3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to CryptoLite:
4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.
5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to CryptoLite. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash
”.
6. Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference.
Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to CryptoLite. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
7. Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove CryptoLite via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
1: Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:
2: Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:
3: Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as CryptoLite. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 3 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by CryptoLite.
Ransomware infections and CryptoLite aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested a data recovery method that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that this method may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
CryptoLite FAQ
What is CryptoLite ransomware and how does it work?
CryptoLite is a ransomware infection - the malicious software that enters your computer silently and blocks either access to the computer itself or encrypt your files.
Many ransomware viruses use sophisticated encryption algorithm how to make your files inaccessible. The goal of ransomware infections is to demand that you pay a ransom payment to get access to your files back.
How does CryptoLite ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.CryptoLite Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing e-mails, containing virus attachment.
This attachment is usually masked as an important document, like an invoice, bank document or even a plane ticket and it looks very convincing to users.
After you download and execute this attachment, a drive-by download occurs and your computer is infected with the ransomware virus.
Another way, you may become a victim of CryptoLite is if you download a fake installer, crack or patch from a low reputation website or if you click on a virus link. Many users report getting a ransomware infection by downloading torrents.
How to open .CryptoLite files?
You can't. At this point the .CryptoLite files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted.
Decryptor did not decrypt my data. What now?
Do not panic and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .CryptoLite files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by CryptoLite ransomware is to use a decryptor for it. But since it's a new virus, advised that the decryption keys for it may not be out yet and available to the public. We will update this article and keep you posted as soon as this decryptor is released.
How Do I restore ".CryptoLite" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .CryptoLite files.
These methods are in no way 100% guarantee that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How do I get rid of CryptoLite ransomware virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti malware software. It will scan for and locate CryptoLite ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .CryptoLite files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like CryptoLite ransomware also install Trojans and keyloggers that can steal your passwords and accounts. Scanning your computer with an anti-malware software will make sure that all of these virus components are removed and your computer is protected in the future.
What to Do If nothing works?
There is still a lot you can do. If none of the above methods seem to work for you, then try these methods:
- Try to find a safe computer from where you can can login on your own line accounts like One Drive, iDrive, Google Drive and so on.
- Try to contact your friends, relatives and other people so that they can check if they have some of your important photos or documents just in case you sent them.
- Also, check if some of the files that were encrypted it can be re-downloaded from the web.
- Another clever way to get back some of your files is to find another old computer, a flash drive or even a CD or a DVD where you may have saved your older documents. You might be surprised what will turn up.
- You can also go to your email account to check if you can send any attachments to other people. Usually what is sent the email is saved on your account and you can re-download it. But most importantly, make sure that this is done from a safe computer and make sure to remove the virus first.
More tips you can find on our forums, where you can also asks any questions about your ransomware problem.
How to Report Ransomware to Authorities?
In case your computer got infected with a ransomware infection, you can report it to the local Police departments. It can help authorities worldwide track and determine the perpetrators behind the virus that has infected your computer. Below, we have prepared a list with government websites, where you can file a report in case you are a victim of a cybercrime:
Cyber-security authorities, responsible for handling ransomware attack reports in different regions all over the world:
- Germany - Offizielles Portal der deutschen Polizei
- United States - IC3 Internet Crime Complaint Centre
- United Kingdom - Action Fraud Police
- France - Ministère de l'Intérieur
- Italy - Polizia Di Stato
- Spain - Policía Nacional
- Netherlands - Politie
- Poland - Policja
- Portugal - Polícia Judiciária
- Greece - Cyber Crime Unit (Hellenic Police)
- India - Mumbai Police - CyberCrime Investigation Cell
- Australia - Australian High Tech Crime Center
Reports may be responded to in different timeframes, depending on your local authorities.